Kabzaa gangs leave land owners high & dry, CP takes step to rein in terror

Nagpur: In the last 2 months, the city reported 11 cases in which musclemen and goons forcibly occupied private lands and buildings, an action locally termed ‘kabzaa', leaving rightful owners distraught and without recourse. Several high-profile incidents highlighted the audacity of these land grabbers.Taking cognisance of this concerning trend, CP Ravinder Singal this week is set to issue stringent directives to invoke non-bailable charges like dacoity against the perpetrators who previously exploited lenient bail provisions to evade justice.The CP also planned to initiate action against erring cops assisting the perpetrators or who were part of the conspiracy.In January, a construction material seller from Hudkeshwar was en route to Hyderabad when a group of goons trespassed on his property. Overnight, they removed his valuable materials, which are untraceable to this day. The intruders now occupy the site, stripping the owner of his livelihood. Police registered a case under bailable sections like criminal trespass, allowing the accused to walk free without significant repercussions.Another incident unfolded in February in the jurisdiction of Rana Pratap Nagar police station. Goons targeted 2 properties belonging to the Bhange family in back-to-back intrusions. Again, only bailable offences were invoked, enabling the usurpers to seize control effortlessly. "These cases underscore a broader strategy where perpetrators intimidate victims and manipulate legal loopholes to their advantage," said a legal expert.Sources within the police department said that CP Singal identified at least 11 similar cases across various police stations, where a recurring pattern emerged, with charges limited to bailable sections such as trespass, breach of peace, theft, and common intention. "This approach is designed to facilitate easy pre-arrest bails for the accused, allowing them to continue their operations unchecked," said the expert.The ‘kabzaa' menace has evolved into a sophisticated racket, often involving hired bouncers for intimidation. These musclemen, including outfits led by women, accompany the property grabbers. The name of a woman, Thakur, emerged in connection with at least 2 such cases.A handful of bouncers form the frontline in these operations, deterring any resistance from property owners or neighbours. According to insiders, these groups are linked to organised entities.The perpetrators are not mere opportunists; they target high-value properties worth crores of rupees. Once the property is occupied, they demand hefty sums from owners to vacate, or even forge documents to transfer titles in their names. "This illicit practice disrupted lives, businesses, and the real estate market in Nagpur, fostering an environment of fear," said an expert.Singal wants zero tolerance on the issue. "All police station in-charges will be asked to invoke dacoity charges in such cases. We are also scrutinising the role of bouncers. Instructions were issued to verify organisations that own the bouncer groups, including the women's one."Properties in dispute main targetExperts attribute the rise in ‘kabzaa' cases to a combination of urban expansion, weak enforcement, and collusion between criminals and corrupt police personnel at the ground level. Nagpur, with its growing infrastructure and commercial hubs, became a fertile ground for such crimes, they said."Property disputes, often unresolved in courts for years, provide the perfect cover for these forcible occupations. Victims, many from middle-class backgrounds, find themselves battling not just the intruders but also delayed justice," said a legal expert.CP Ravinder Singal offers a ray of hope. "The victims can meet me or submit a complaint with my office at the visiting hour," the CP said.MODUS OPERANDIGoons or musclemen target disputed properties, often worth crores.They furtively approach cops at the nearest police station for a monetary deal.Perpetrators forcibly enter properties and take over the premises.When victims rush to police stations, FIRs are registered under bailable sections.Goons secure pre-arrest bails and continue to hold possession of the property.